Mark Alan Smeby was born on July 10, 1954, the last of four children to Lloyd and Laura Smeby in Torrence, CA. Along with his sister Carol and two brothers, Larry, and John, Mark grew up in the vicinity of the dusty Mojave desert where his mother learned the truth first. Eventually, Mark and his father Lloyd both were baptized in 1969 at the same convention of Jehovah's Witnesses.

It was in Palmdale, CA that Mark by chance met a young woman named Debra Freer who caught his eye. He did the most logical thing and suggested she study the Bible with his mother Laura, and Debra too accepted the truth and was baptized. Mark and Debra were married April 13, 1973.

Soon Mark & Debra had their first child, Jeremiah, followed by Jamie. Later they moved to Martinez, CA where Jessica and finally Jonathan were born. Mark & Debra later became grandparents to 9 more children, and great grandparents to 4 more.

Over the years, Mark became known for many jobs and interests: He was a pool supplier, custodial technician, photo developer, and trivia consultant. He was a writer, photographer, fireworks enthusiast, celebrity bodyguard, and on occasion a movie extra. Most of these experiences he shared with Debra who was there for most of it.

The Smeby kids grew up being part of or hearing stories about Sci-fi conventions, costume contests, synth music, and insides jokes like "Gonzova", "Sythepunk", and "Gazeemith" (thanks to some of his best friends).  Mark was known in part for his humor, his creativity, and love of music (particularly sad songs).

But his greatest love was for his wife, his family, the friends in the congregation, and most of all, Jehovah. Mark often enjoyed talking about what life in the new world might be like and how impressive Jehovah's thinking must be. Though Mark didn't possess the best health throughout his life, his determination to always be at Christian meetings (despite much struggle) was a source of encouragement to himself and many others. To the end, it was the love of his family, the congregation, and his hope in Jehovah that helped him find comfort and endure faithfully.

His last year was spent at home with his caring wife and four children, which became a special opportunity for them all to draw closer to him and one another like never before.

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